Kerry cruised into a fifth consecutive Munster minor football decider following this emphatic seven-point win over Clare this evening, writes Eoghan Cormican. Ahead by four at the break, Kerry slowly killed off the home challenge with a string of second-half points.

Sub David Shaw and David Clifford moved Peter Keane’s side 1-9 to 1-3 in front early in the second period and although a fine Padraig Kelly effort interrupted their momentum, albeit briefly, three on the bounce from Seán O’Shea (0-2) and Mike Breen ended this game a contest turning the bend for home.

Kerry’s Mike Breen and Clare’s Daniel O’Brien in action during the Minor Football Championship semi-final at Milltown Malbay. Picture: Eamon Ward Kerry’s position hadn’t been as comfortable at the interval, their lead having been eroded by a Joseph McGann goal on 25 minutes. A fine Padraig Kelly free in the subsequent action had left the scoreboard reading 1-5 to 1-3, scarcely believable in the context of Kerry’s dominance in the opening period.

The visitors had received the ideal start when Brian Friel capitalised on a mistake by Clare ‘keeper Mark Lillis to fist to the net after just three minutes. A David Clifford free thereafter and Kerry enjoyed a 1-2 to 0-0 cushion. By the 17th minute, their lead stood at 1-5 to 0-1, Clifford and captain Seán O’ Shea causing headache after headache for the Clare rearguard. At the other end, Clare full-forward Joseph McGann looked particularly lively each time he got onto possession, but the decision of the Banner management to employ a sweeper meant he often found himself outnumbered by four green shirts when fed the ball.

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Adult General Admission: €10.00
Student/OAP: Receive €5 Concession on match day on full price ADULT tickets at the designated stile with valid id
Juvenile (Under 16 Years of Age): Free of Charge

The Kerry Minor Football Team to play Clare in the Electric Ireland Munster GAA Football Minor Championship Semi Final in Milltown-Malbay on Wednesday next shows two changes in personnel from the side that defeated Waterford in Round 1; Last year’s goalkeeper, Billy Courtney, replaces Seán Ó Lúing in goal and Michael Potts of Dr Crokes starts in the half back line in place of his clubmate David Naughton.

The team contains two of the starting fifteen from last year’s All Ireland final win over Tipperary – Billy Courtney and Sean O’Shea. Three subs who played in that final – Daniel O’Brien, Mike Breen and Graham O’Sullivan also make the starting fifteen while Bryan Sweeney who also played in last year’s final, is included among the subs. Five of the St Brendans Killarney Hogan Cup winning team are included, Daniel O’Brien, Michael Potts, Dara Moynihan and David Clifford.